The Mexico striker is a target for the Champions League finalists, who have already reinforced their attack by bringing in Mario Mandzukic, as well as winger Antoine Griezmann, after the departures of Diego Costa, David Villa and Adrian this summer.

Simeone is an admirer of Hernandez's direct approach and refused to rule out a move for the 26-year-old as he tries to rebuild the La Liga champions' squad.

"We have spoken to the sporting directors, discussed with them our ideas on the players we want," he told a news conference. "After that it's up to them to get the players.

"With Javier Hernandez and many other good players, anything is possible. You can't close the door on anything until the transfer window closes. [Hernandez] is a vertical footballer, good in one-on-ones. He is a good option for any team."

Hernandez, who has also been linked with Inter Milan, won the Sir Matt Busby Award as United's player of the year in his debut campaign at Old Trafford but only started six league games last season.

While new manager Louis van Gaal has spoken highly of the Mexican, it looks as though Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie could be his first-choice strike partnership.

Hernandez has scored 59 goals in 152 games at United, despite often being used as a substitute, and he came off the bench again in their penalty shootout victory over Inter Milan in Washington on Tuesday when Van Gaal had selected Rooney and Danny Welbeck as his two main strikers.